So we went to IKEA last night and dropped 1,100 Euros on furniture for our new pad. Couches. Dining room table. End table. Rug. Bed. Mattress. Bathroom rack. Entertainment center. Our place is goign to be an IKEA model home. The thing is, we were supposed to eat at the restaurant, then go shopping and …
Monthly Archive: October 2004
Oct
28
Oct
27
The Death of America
The election is coming. It is less than a week away. It dominates every newspaper headline, it is on every newscast of every Dutch, German, and Belgian TV channel that we get. There are more articles about who’s leading in the polls than any other topic. Even an ocean away the election for the next …
Oct
24
Dutch Fashion10/24/2004 09:04:49 PM
Ever since moving here Ann and I have noticed a certain distinct and pervasive sense of Dutch ‘style’. Simply put: the Dutch wear things that in almost all other cultures would surpass acceptable fashion limits. When put into the larger context of their country’s historically inclusive and tolerant culture it may be easier to understand …
Oct
22
Pope John Paul II, Lech Walesa… and Brian
Our friend Mark Lorenc will love this. Ann called up the IND, the bureau responsible for processing our application for a residence permit, to check up on the status. The woman said it was still processing, but that she didn’t think it would be a problem since her husband was Polish and therefore an EU …
Oct
20
A Taste of Bureaucracy
Just to give you a typical example: I called up the local school a few weeks ago to see what it would cost to take Dutch lessons. Immediately the receptionist said: “Do you have an inbeurgeringskontract?” To which I replied: “God bless you.” Apparently, if you have this unpronounceable piece of paper from the government, …
Oct
18
An Update on My Dinner
Dinner tonight: rice cakes, smoked gouda cheese, a Coke. Just so no one got the impression that the Netherlands has changed me.
Oct
17
Blanca’s Visit
For those of you who don’t know, Blanca is one of the founding members of Smelly Pig, the world-famous two guitar, four singer, one plastic tambourine band whose appeareances at the Bucks County Coffee House are legendary. Blanca is originally from San Esteban de Gormaz, a small village in Soria, an hour and a half …
Oct
15
Bicycle Story
So let me tell you about bicycles. The bicycle is the main mode of transportation in the Netherlands. Bikes are so prevalent that most city streets have separate lanes just for bikes (adding to the confusion from the already numerous painted lines on the road). The Dutch bike in all weather conditions, at all times …
Oct
14
Mark and Katrin’s Baby — Kira!
I can’t believe I forgot to put a post up about the beautiful baby girl that our friends Mark and Katrin brought into the world. full name: Kira Alexis LorencDOB: Sept. 29, 2004; 11:53pmweight: 8 lbs. 1 oz.length: 21 inchespictures: http://www.undertone.org/gallery/kirabirth Katrin told us some horror story about a three day delivery, but I’m sure …
Oct
12
Our New Apartment
We have found a place to live. After four weeks of looking, and two previous unsuccessful attempts, Brian and Ann have now signed the papers and put down the deposit to rent an apartment in Dordrecht. After having done this once already, only to have the rental company call up and tell us they rented …